Holidaymakers’ confidence is shaken by recent tragedies

9th March 2016

Four in ten holidaymakers are selecting new destinations for their getaways this year after global events have shaken their confidence.

According to travel insurance specialist Holidaysafe.co.uk more than three quarters of travellers have been put off popular holiday destinations such as those in Turkey and Tunisia while a third of families travelling to Europe via Eurostar are concerned about delays in Calais due to the migrant crisis.

The research comes out as travel firm Thomas Cook announced that it has extended its suspension of bookings to the Egyptian holiday resort of Sharm el-Sheikh until November 2016.

The current ban was due to end on 25 May but the holiday provider said it had taken the decision because the UK government’s advice not to travel to the resort remained unchanged.

Flights were suspended in November 2015 after a Russian passenger plane crashed killing 224 people and the so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility for bombing the jet.

Thomas Cook had been selling holidays after 25 May, assuming that it would be able to fly to the region. But it has confirmed that the advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth office (FCO) remains unchanged, and therefore it is extending its own ban.

The FCO advice is not to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh unless it is absolutely essential. A Thomas Cook representative said customers who have booked to travel to the region are entitled to cancel or book alternative holidays.

“For most families, going on holiday is a chance to spend some quality time together, and worries about safety and security shouldn’t stop people going abroad,” says Amber Howard, brand manager of Holidaysafe.co.uk

“But our customers’ safety is always our top priority and we encourage people to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice before departing for more information on their chosen destination.”